As part of The Fortune Society’s horticulture initiative, the Sky Garden has remained a welcoming space for residents to reap the many physical and mental benefits of gardening. Since opening in 2011, Castle Gardens’ rooftop garden continues to encourage health and wellness among participants, providing resources to grow and learn about various crops and native plants.   

The Sky Garden offers a variety of programming, such as wellness workshops, info sessions and other activities. Through such programming, Castle Gardens residents, like Isaac, have many opportunities to socialize with each other while enjoying positive, hands-on activities.  

Isaac, lovingly called Mr. Moscoso by many community members, has been involved with the Sky Garden since 2011. A staff member asked if he was interested in helping maintain the rooftop garden, and he jumped on the opportunity to get involved. Isaac has remained a proud member of the Sky Garden club ever since.  

The Sky Garden club meets once a week to tend to the garden, though the rooftop is open to all building residents throughout the week. Isaac enjoys the positive routine and spending time with his fellow gardeners each week. Like some of the other gardeners, working in the garden has become a therapeutic practice for Isaac.   

During the growing season, you’ll find a thriving garden with a variety of communally grown crops, including peppers, tomatoes, kale, strawberries, basil and more. Many gardeners also have a personal flower box to grow herbs and flowers. Isaac grows quillquiña, an herb from Bolivia.  

“Every year, my brother sends me seeds to grow in my flower box. I enjoy having something from my country, and the herbs that he sends me taste good in my food.”  

Isaac has also shared his love for the Sky Garden with his family, specifically his daughter. Together, they tend to the garden during the growing season. She helps water Isaac’s herbs and harvest them once they’re ready for use.

Isaac and his family are long-time residents of Castle Gardens. In 2010, their previous landlord informed them that their rent would double upon signing a new lease, so Isaac had no choice but to search for a new apartment. He and his family were immensely grateful to find an affordable home at Castle Gardens. They applied for a two-bedroom apartment during construction and moved in almost immediately after the building opened. 

“Every day, we came by to see if the building was finished,” Isaac explained. “We viewed our apartment before moving in, and it was great. We were happy to come. We signed the papers right away, and we have been living here ever since, for almost 15 years now.” 

Isaac has a deep appreciation for his home at Castle Gardens, and he values his Fortune neighbors. As a member of the Sky Garden club, he continues to invest in his community by creating a beautiful, welcoming space for all to enjoy.